NCJ Number
114724
Journal
British Journal of Criminology Volume: 28 Issue: 4 Dated: (Autumn 1988) Pages: 441-460
Date Published
1988
Length
20 pages
Annotation
The outcomes of prosecutions of 5,480 14- to 16-year males were examined as a function of police-assessed ethnicity in 1983 data for courts in greater London, England.
Abstract
Results indicate that of those prosecuted, relatively more blacks had their cases dismissed without trial due to insufficient evidence. This suggests that police more readily prosecute blacks or that courts require more convincing evidence for black than for white defendants. A higher proportion of blacks than whites were acquitted after trial, again suggesting less evidence; although other factors such as perceptions of court officers and magistrates and differences in types of offenses or their circumstances also may have played a role. A slightly higher proportion of blacks than whites were sentenced in adult rather than juvenile magistrates' courts, usually as a result of the existence of and factors relating to an adult codefendant. Of these, a higher proportion of blacks were committed to Crown Court for trial. Finally, in Crown Court, a higher proportion of blacks was given custodial sentences. There was insufficient data regarding the seriousness of offenses and previous convictions or cautions of those convicted to determine if the sentences of the two races were comparable. 21 references and 13 tables.